Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24068, Benjamin Doak, Mass. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. Sea Service.
Roak, Benjamin Sarah
N. 24068
CONTENTS

Massachusetts. 915
Sarah Cook, widow of Benjamin Cook
who was pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832 and who died on the 6th March 1836 at Essex in the State of Massachusetts who was a seaman in the Company of Captain Preston of the Regt. comm. by _____ in the _____ line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 96 Dollars - Cents per annum. to commence on the 7th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Nov. 18, and to and J. C. Stearns, Essex, Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. - $240.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 48.00 $288.00
{ Act July 7, 1838.
by R. Burdick Clerk Vol. 1 - Page 82

10570 Massachusetts Benjamin Drake
of Lynn, in the State of Mass who was a seaman in the vessel by Captain Bray of the ship commanded by _____ in the service time for 2 Years
State Navy
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 10 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of April 1833 and State Navy States Lynn Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $192.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th " 48.00 $240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Chas. G. Adams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 2 Page 16

County of Essex ss. 121032 On this fourteenth day of August, personally appeared in open court before the Honable Daniel A White Judge of Probate of the County of Essex, Benjamin Doak a resident of Lynn in the said County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts commonwealth aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in aid to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 1832, that he entered on board the public armed Brig. Massachusetts of 14 guns belonging to, and in the service of said Commonwealth, Daniel Souter or Suter commander, in the first part of the summer of 1776 and sailed from Salem in said Commonwealth and made two cruises. In the first cruise said Brig took a British transport having a company of light dragoons on board, and said transport was sent into Salem. In the second cruise the said Brig Massachusetts took nothing and in the first part of the following winter he was discharged from the said Brig Massachusetts

In the latter part of the following winter or very early in the Spring of 1777 He entered or enlisted on board the pub- lic armed Brig Freedom in the service of and belonging to the said State of Massa- chusetts, John Clouston Commander & sailed from Boston and cruised off the West of England and in the British Chan- nel. Said Brig Freedom made sixteen prizes, count five, gave two to the pris- oners and two prizes arrived safely in Boston. Said Freedom made Bell Isle and ran into Pen Krauff in France, was there repaired took on board a number of boxes of muskets, some bales of goods for the American army and brought from France three French officers, to wit, a Major, a Capt & a Lieutenant and arrived in Boston in the fall or winter of 1777. In December 1777 after he had arrived at his home in Marblehead he engaged to go on board a public ship in the service of the State of Massachusetts, the name he does not remember, then laden with masts and spars at Wiscasset, in Maine, bound for Nantes in France, Joseph Proctor Commander for the purpose of obtaining supplies for the American army. Said Proctor with most of the crew for the ship soon sailed in a Schooner from Marble- head commanded by the said Proctor's father in
about 9 mths

and in ten or twelve days said ship sailed from Wiscasset for France, out part of a day the ship sprung leak, put back, stopped the leak and sailed the next day, and after being out about ten days, was taken on the Grand Bank by the Milford of 20 guns and the whole crew were put on board an English ship which arrived in Plymouth England in about twenty days. The next day Capt Proctor was permitted to go ashore; the rest were all put on board the Blenheim Guard Ship. In three days Capt Pro- ctor came on board the Guard Ship; and said that he had obtained his liberty, because he had no guns on board his ship; but his whole crew, he said, were to be retained and fight for the King. In the first part of February the 1778 the whole of Capt Proctor's ships crew were drafted, some on board one vessel and some on board another in the British navy; William Dimond second mate, Wil- iam Bichard and himself were sent on board the Fame of 74 guns Capt Colby commander and compelled to do duty there. In March the Fame sailed for Spithead to join a Fleet of 13 sail of the line. In the last of April the Fleet sailed for America, and arrived in New York in 55 or 60 days. Sailed from New York on a cruise in September, and cruised on the coast until No- vember and took nothing, then into Newport in December, then sailed for the West Indies, out some days had a gale of wind, lost main and mizen masts fore top mast and head of foremast. After the gale rigged jury masts and in 14 or 15 days arrived at Har- badoes. The ship could not be refitted there, sailed for St Lucia and in 2 or 3 months a ship from England arrived there with masts & spars, but the

largest were only fit for a 64; however the ship was soon repaired and at this time there were 18 or 20 sail of the line in the Bay com- manded by Admiral Byron. The Fleet sailed in 1779 in the summer off Grenada fell in with a French Fleet of about 20 sail, an engagement began at 2 P.M. and lasted till sundown. The fleets parted, the French stood to the South and the British to the North, ran all night, next day repaired the ships & ran for and arrived at St. Kitts the next day. In 2 or 3 days after the French Fleet came off the Bay and hoisted a flag. The British Admi- ral declined going out. The French stood off and on from 9 A.M. till sundown & then bore off. The British Fleet soon sailed for St Lucia where they arrived; the same had to remain in port on account of a shot received, five feet under water in the bow which caused it to leak very bad; The 14 th or 15 th of May 1780, he ran away and lay in the woods 5 days, and then hired 3 negroes to carry him in a small boat to Martinique, there he went on board a ship of 16 guns belonging to Philadel- phia, sailed, was driven on shore on the Eastern coast of Virginia by an English ship of thirty two guns, got the Philadelphia ship off and got into a small place called Nansemond as he recollects the name of it. He then went to Baltimore and in July entered on board the ship Harry of 12 guns then lying in Hamp- ton Roads Capt Lockley and sailed thence, and in August was taken by the Portland of 50 guns, carried to St Johns New Found land; in October, he with two or three more was taken

from the prison ship and put on board the Ship Vestal of 28 guns, arrived in Portsmouth England in November, sent on shore at Gosport. carried to the Block-house, brought before a Judge; the Judge read a paper the prisoners had to sign or go on board a man of war the purport of the paper was, that all of them were pirates and robbers on the Kings high seas The affiant was first called by the Judge; the Judge tried hard to make the prisoners to go aboard the Kings ships, and said that one in every ten would be hung, and the rest sent to the East Indies, if we, the British conquer, we shall. He, the affiant told the said Judge, he would sign all he had, if he went to a warm place and did sign the paper and the other prisoners with him, all were marched to the Fortune Prison, where were found 300 prison- ers and 70 or 80 from Marblehead. The American Prisoners were allowed \frac{2}{3} the provision of French prisoners. When the news of the capture of Lord Cornwallis was known, there was nothing more liked that the Americans were pirates and threatened to be hung. Mr Laurens who was confined in the Tower came to the Prison in the winter accompanied with some other noble Lords, and told the prisoners that two ships would be fitted out in the spring to carry the prisoners home. He, the deponent, arrived in a cartel at Marblehead, on a Sunday in August 1782; and he further states, that he knows no one now living who served with him on board the Brig Massachu- setts excepting Thomas Barker of Marblehead, and not one who served with him on board the Brig Freedom and not one or any who served with him on board the ship commanded by Capt Joseph Proctor bound for Nantes in France as before stated, and that he has not, nor never had any

discharge or discharge in writing for any services performed by him during the Revolutionary War. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any State. Sworn to before De Witt White Esq. Judge of Probate Questions propounded by the Court.
Question. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer. In Marblehead in the County of Essex, in the year 1760
Question. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it?
Answer. I have no exact record of my birth. There is a record of my baptism, and a true copy thereof is hereto annexed.
Question. What are the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a mariner or marines of the revolution.
Answer. Thomas Baskin & the Rev Samuel Dana of Marblehead
Question. Where were you living when called into service and where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? Ans. I lived then in Marblehead and continued to live there till within about twenty years & I have since lived in Lynn near the place of my birth.
Question. How were you called into the service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer. At each time I entered the service voluntarily Sworn to before Benjamin Dook De Witt White Judge of Probate

Sarah Doak
100 L.
admitted Pioneer #96. -
adops H. H. H. H. Sep. 1838
act 1838

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Essex County _____ 55,
On this twenty eighth day of August 1838 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said County of Essex, a Court of Record Sarah Doak a resident of Lynn in the County of Essex aforesaid aged twenty one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled "an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Benjamin Doak , who served in the Revolutionary War as a seaman on board of one of the States' vessels — That she has no personal knowledge of the said Doak's services in the Revolution — how long he served, under whom or on board of what vessel — but of this she has positive and direct knowledge that he obtained a pension for his services in the Revolutionary War under the Act of Congress of 1832 and continued to receive said pension till March 4. 1836 — receiving the same once every six months viz. Forty eight dollars — That in order to obtain said pension the said Benjamin had the testimony of a person residing in Marblehead who was knowing to his services in the War of the Revolution — and that said witness has since deceased — so that she has no means of ascertaining the facts of said Benjamin's services, except from the Documents filed in the Pension Office of the War Department — (to which she refers for proof — ) The said Benjamin Doak was residing in Marblehead

when he entered the Service and continued afterwards to reside there till 1813, when he removed with his family to the town of Lynn where he remained till the time of his decease — That she has no documentary evidence touching his Revolutionary Service.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin in on the 27 (twenty seventh) day of December seventeen hundred and eighty five That her husband the said Benjamin Doak died on the the Sixth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty six
That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, — viz, at the time above stated.
Sarah Doak
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above written
before D. H. White Judge of Probate

I Blaney Chase of Lynn in the County of Essex Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do hereby say that I was personally and intimately acquainted with the late Benjamin Doak of Lynn - That he was to my knowledge a pensioner under the Act of Congress of 1832 and received semi annually till he died, a pension of forty eight dollars, that is - ninety six dollars a year - That he died the sixth day of March 1836 - being then a pensioner under said Act, and left a widow, Mrs. Sarah Doak who has this day in my presence made application to the Court of Probate sitting in Salem, before Hon. Darius A. White Judge thereof - and filed her declaration before said Court, in order to obtain the benefit of the late Act of 7 July 1838 - in favor of certain widows Sworn 28 Aug 1838, Blaney Chase
Commonwealth Massachusetts
Essex County ss 3 28 August 1838 Then the above named Blaney Chase known to the subscriber as a credible person made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me H. Stickney J. P.

Certif of Right Woman Town Clerk
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Marblehead 28 August 1838
"Seven hundred eighty five, December twenty seventh Mr Benjamin Doak & Miss Sarah Goodwin both of this town" Richard Homan
I Richard Homan of Marblehead in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts hereby certify that I have the custody of the records of said town and that the above extract is a true copy of the Record of Marriages with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the said Record book of Marriages in fair legible figures as follows
(1785 Decr 27) Richard Homan Clerk of the Town of Marblehead
I Richard Homan above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the town of Marblehead in the County, Town and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Record of Marriages of said town, with the exception above named is certified by me
Richard Homan Clerk of the Town of Marblehead
Commonwealth of Mass Essex ss. 28 August 1838
Sworn to before me J. B. Stickney Jr. P. M.

Benj Doak
Forwarded by Isaac Bates Lynn Mass
no 19 or
16
16 Maple
street
169.

BRIEF in the case of  Samuel Cook  of  Simsbury  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy one years -  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1776 about 6 Seaman Gen. Capt. Daniel Dater   77 9 " Capt. John Boston   77 to 80 2 - 7 " Capt. Joseph Proctor   80 to 82 2 - 7 Capt. Locksley    The greater portion of this last mentioned time he was a prisoner in England -
he was also prisoner the greater part of his last term 5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Marblehead Mass
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses, documentary proof & traditional evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? They are correct but not in time the time, more than two years after his service proved
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. D. Adonson Examining Clerk.

The department, will please to notice the certificate of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts annexed to these papers, by which it appears there was due to Benjamin Doak wages for services on board the Brigantine Linsdown in the State service from 4 Feb to August 4. £1.4 per month in the year 1777. This may not be considered documentary evidence, but is all that can be found after much search and labor.

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by the Misses H. B. Bangs Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Miss
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book 6 Vol. 2 Page 16 by L. H. Addison Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Benj n Dook of the State of Massachusetts who was a Seaman in the navy of the Revolution is entitled to receive Ninety Six dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-
Will Ladd
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Benjamin Soake Bap. Act of June 1832 to what time p o ? Pen Office Nov 1. 1838
p o 4 March 1836
JH

Ry
WIDOW, &c.
See
Ret'd from Home Mar 5-91
File No. 24068
Sarah Doak Wid of Benjamin Doak Brn Rev War
Act July 7th 1838
Index: Vol A , Page 190
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Lyons Mass 29 August 1838
To the Hon War Dept,
Mrs Sarah Boak of this town requests me to forward to the War Dept, her declaration and proofs — for a pension under the late Act. 7 July 1838 — and to request that all communica- -tions relating to the same may be addressed to the Post Office I also forward the Pension Certificate of her late husband, which she could not find in time to annex to her declaration — made yesterday. Yours Respectfully E. C. Stibney

Benj Noak 1901
Seaman & years
Alma
Isaac Gates Lyons Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? he has
Documentary proof for six months
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Yes
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
# XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes  NO
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days. I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”
# See next page

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
# { In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

We Samuel Dana a bluegrass man residing in Marblehead aforesaid and Thomas Barker of said Marblehead and residing there do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Doak who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a marine & mariner of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sam l Dana.
Thomas Barker
Subscribed & sworn to before
D. White Judge of Prob.
And the Court hereby declares its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary marine & mariner and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that Samuel Dana who has signed the preceding certificate is a bluegrass man resident in said Marblehead and that Thomas Barker is a resident in said Marblehead and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.
D. H. H. D. S. R.

I Nathaniel Lord Junior, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Essex aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Dook for a pension
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand & seal of office This fourteenth day of August A.D. 1832.
Nath. Lord Jr.
Signed and sealed anew this eighth day of January, A.D. 1833.
Nath. Lord Jr.

I Thomas Barker of Marble- head in the County of Essex & State of Massachusetts aged eighty one years will remember, that I entered on board the public armed Brig Massachusetts belonging to said State mounting fourteen guns, the first public armed Brig built by said State, Daniel Senter or Suter was commander thereof, in the year 1776 and made two cruises. Sailed on the first cruise from Salem and took a British transport having light horse on board, the horses were twenty seven in number. I do not recollect the num- ber of men. I think the prize arrived safely in Salem. I do not recollect the time when I enter- ed on board said Brig Massachusetts, but I remem- ber well that I was discharged in the last of the month of December. In the second cruise, said Brig sailed from Boston and returned to Boston and took nothing on the second cruise. I know that Benjamin Dook then of said Marblehead now of Lynn in said County of Essex entered on board said Brig at the time I entered and that he was discharged therefrom at the time I was discharged.
Thomas Barker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Essex ss.
On this fourteenth day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Daniel Apple- ton White, Judge of Probate for the said County of now sitting in Salem within & for said County Thomas Bar- ker and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him sub- scribed. And I the said Judge from the questions put and the answers made thereto, that, in my opinion, the said Thomas Barker is entitled to full belief & credit In testimony whereof I the said Judge have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal official the day & year above said.
D. A. White Judge of Probate

I Michail James of Marblehead in the County of Essex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty nine years upon oath depose, declare and say, that in the month of January 1778 I commanded the ship Union and sailed from Falmouth now Portland in the state of Maine under the direction and instructions of the Board of War of the Massachusetts Bay: said ship Union was laden with masts and spars, and I was directed in writing by said Board of War to sail immediately for Nants in France, and return to this state, and bring back clothing, arms and ammunition for the American Army; within sight of Belisle my ship was taken by a British Privateer, and carried into Falmouth England, and the whole crew were forced to serve on board the British fleet, except my first officer, Samuel Chin, who escaped by run- ning away. I knew Capt Joseph Proctor late of said Marblehead deceased, and I know that said Proctor commanded a state ship and had his orders and directions from the said Board as myself with a similar cargo for Nants with directions to bring back stores of clothing, ammunition &c for the American army. Said Proctor sailed from Shepshut a place further to the East than Falmouth. Said Proctor was my neighbor in said Marble- head and I was familiarly acquainted with him. said Proctor and myself sailed about the same time and I was in company with said Pro- ctors ship one whole day after sailing, but I

cannot remember the name of the ship commanded by said Proctor. In the Month of March I believe, I saw said Proctor in London, and said Proctor then informed me, that his ship was captured near the Grand Bank, by a British Frigate and that the whole crew of his said ship were distributed and forced to serve on board the British Navy. I was able to reach my country in about nine months after the time I sailed from said Falmouth now Portland, but my crew excepting said Chin, did not return for a long time after my arrival, and then they came promiscuously one after another, and some of them I believe never returned. I know only one of my crew of said ship Union now alive, Edward Triffrey of said Marblehead and he is eighty five years old and blind.
Richard James
Essex ss 20 th June 1832
Before me a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Essex this day Richard James of Marblehead in said County personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit or deposition by him subscribed, & I, the said Justice, do certify that the said Richard James is wholly disinterested.
Isaac Gates Justice of the Peace.
To the said Justice before named do hereby certify, that the above deponent, Richard James is so infirmed by age and the fracture of a thigh bone a few years ago, that he is unable to travel so as to attend any Court whatever; and that the said Richard James is fully entitled to credit.
Isaac Gates Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss.
I John Prince Junior Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Essex in the Common- wealth of Massachusetts do certify, that Isaac Gates Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was at the time a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Essex and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of August  July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hun- dred and thirty two, and I do certify that the signature of Isaac Gates Esquire is his true and genuine sig- nature attached to the above certificates by him made.
John Prince Clerk.

I Mary Doak of Marblehead in The County of Essex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts singlewoman, aged sixty eight years depose, testify and declare upon oath, that from a child I have known Benjamin Doak of Lynn in said County of Essex, and that said Benjamin Doak went away with Capt Joseph Proctor some time during the Revolutionary War to sail in a ship at the Eastward for France. After said Benjamin Doak had been gone a con- siderable time, it was reported, that Capt Proctor's ship was taken and after this we heard, that said Benjamin was put on board some vessel of the British Navy. Several years elapsed when the said Benjamin was not heard from by any of his family. I often heard the mother of the said Benjamin say, that she be- lieved her son Benjamin was dead. The first intelligence from said Benjamin was by a letter from him at Fortune Prison to the said Benja- min's father, but said letter is not now to be found. I know, that said Benjamin was absent about six years from the time he sailed with said Proctor before he returned to said Marblehead and then he came in a cartel into said Mar- blehead and arrived here on a Sunday. I cannot tell how long said Proctor was absent from the time he sailed when said Benjamin Doak sailed with him for France.
Mary her Doak mark

Essex ss June 28 th 1882
Before me a justice of the Peace in & for said County of Essex Personally appeared Mary Doak of Marblehead this day and made oaths to the truth of the foregoing affidavit or deposition by her subscribed; and I, the said Justice, do certify that the said Mary Doak is wholly disinterested.
Edward G. Gates Justice of the Peace

I Elizabeth Doak of Marblehead in the County of Essex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts single woman aged sixty four, having heard the foregoing affidavit or deposition subscribed and sworn to by Mary Doak, slowly and distinctly read to me twice in my presence and hearing, upon oath declare the facts therein stated are within my own knowledge, and that the same are true Elizabeth her Doak mark
Essex ss 20th June 1832
Before me a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County of Essex personally ap- peared Elizabeth Doak of Marblehead this day and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit or deposition by her subscribed; and I the said Justice do certify that the said Elizabeth Doak is wholly disinterested.
Isaac Gates Justice of the Peace.

Peny Book
No 1901
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, July 6. 1832.
I hereby certify, that on a Muster Roll of the "Brigantine Freedom" (in State Service) Capt. John Clouston Commander, I find the name of Benjamin Doak entered, as having served in the capacity of "Boy", from Feb. 4 to August 4 1777, with the pay of £ 1. 4. per month.
Edward D. Bangs, Secretary of the Committee.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COUNTY OF ESSEX, ss. PROBATE OFFICE.
I Nathaniel Lord junior, register of probate in said county, hereby certify, that
the honorable Daniel A. White, before whom the declaration hereto annexed of Sarah Dook purports to have been taken, is the judge of probate for said county; and that his name, subscribed to the certificate thereon, is his genuine signature; and that Jeremiah B. Stick- ney esquire, before whom the several affidavits hereto annexed of Richard Howman and Blaney Chase purport to have been taken, is a justice of the peace for said county; and that his name, sub- scribed to the certificate on each of said affidavits, is his genuine signature. as appears by the records in said office
Given under my hand and seal of office, this twenty eighth day of August, A. D. 1838.
Nath. Lord Jr.